Transport of a simple liquid through carbon nanotubes: Role of nanotube size

We use molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the transport behavior of a simple liquid through carbon nanotubes (CNTs), focusing on the CNT size effect. The liquid flow, occupancy and translocation time exhibit interesting power law relations with the CNT diameter, where the flow can also be a function of occupancy and translocation time. The wave-like radial density profiles reveal the different liquid structures depending on the CNT diameter. The flow and translocation time also show a power law relation with the CNT length, while the occupancy has an excellent linear behavior. Again, under the change of CNT length, the flow has a similar relation with occupancy and translocation time. These results can greatly enhance our knowledge on the equilibrium liquid transport dynamics, and provide clear new physical insights.